Panjab University Hosts International Conference on Orchid Diversity

Chandigarh, March 17, 2026: Panjab University (PU) in collaboration with The Orchid Society of India (TOSI) organised a two-day International Conference-cum-Workshop on “Orchid Diversity, Conservation and Resource Development in Changing Global Climate: Perspectives on Medicinal, Floricultural and Economic Potential” along with an Orchid Show.
The conference featured 12 invited speakers, including international experts from Australia, Thailand, China and Malaysia, along with poster and oral presentations.
The Society released its publications including the Souvenir-cum-Abstract Book, an international journal and the Orchid Newsletter. Awards such as the T. N. Khoshoo Award, Usha Vij Award and Suraj Prakash Vij Memorial Award were presented.
An orchid show featuring live specimens, photographs and paintings by organisations including TOSI Chandigarh, Botanical Survey of India (Dehradun), Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (Dehradun) and Orchid Blooms (Sikkim) was also inaugurated. Competitions including painting, photography and flower arrangement were organised, with over 100 school students participating across categories.
Addressing the conference, PU Dean of University Instructions, Prof. Yojna Rawat, emphasised the need for innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship in botanical research. She stated that research must translate into tangible outcomes and encouraged students to pursue work that contributes to national development and global competitiveness.
PU Registrar, Prof. Y. P. Verma, highlighted the importance of conservation and sustainable utilisation of orchids in the context of climate change.
Australian Researcher Dr. Ian Douglas Chalmers and Anita Sharma appreciated the academic and practical significance of the event.
Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Director (Environment) and CEO, SMPB, Chandigarh, Saurabh Kumar, noted that such conferences bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness, promoting conservation of biodiversity.
In an online session, Deputy Director and Head, RRIUM, Silchar, Assam, Dr. R. Murugeswaran and spoke on sustainable micropropagation and the development of an orchid-based green economy.
Convener-cum-Organising Secretary, Prof. Promila Pathak, during the inaugural address highlighted the role of the society in promoting the scientific and commercial significance of orchids while encouraging researchers and entrepreneurs.
Prof. Ajaib Singh Sidhu outlined the academic contributions of the Department of Botany, PU.